How to Save Money at Orlando Theme Parks

Orlando’s theme parks are some of the most magical places on earth, immersing guests in worlds of fantasy and nostalgia you can’t find anywhere outside of your imagination.  

But these days, theme park tickets are pricier than ever.  

Getting into the parks may cost a pretty penny, but there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re spending the day at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or SeaWorld Orlando.  

Here are our suggestions for how to save money at Orlando theme parks.  

Bring Your Own Food (When Allowed)  

One of the easiest ways to blow your theme park budget is by deciding to buy your food in the parks.  

Even snacks and quick service eateries can add up if you’re feeding a group or eating multiple times throughout the day.  

Walt Disney World parks allow guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Packing your lunch and snacks to enjoy throughout the day can save you a ton of money.  

Universal Orlando’s policies permit guests to bring in bottled water and small snacks. SeaWorld Orlando allows small snacks for babies and toddlers.  

Planning ahead and packing a few refreshments in your bag for the day can go a long way when it comes to saving pennies.  

Bring a Water Bottle

All Orlando theme parks allow guests to bring in refillable water bottles.  

Staying hydrated is incredibly important when spending the day at a theme park. Between all the walking you’ll be doing and the Central Florida heat and humidity, you’ll need to be mindful of heat exhaustion.  

Rather than spending money on bottle after bottle of water from snack kiosks and vending machines, bring your own bottle to refill at one of the many drink stations or water fountains throughout the theme parks. 

Buy Souvenirs Offsite

It's hard to resist shelves of toys, merchandise, and apparel leering out at you from the windows of theme park stores.  

Unplanned souvenirs are undeniably dangerous to a budget, especially at theme park prices.  

However, Orlando is also home to a variety of souvenir shops outside the parks that sell branded merchandise at a fraction of the price.  

Build a souvenir store shopping spree into your itinerary, or at the very least, set yourself a souvenir budget and stick to it while you’re at the parks.  

Prepare to Wait in Line  

Express and lightning passes that allow you to jump lines for select rides have their benefits – but they come at a price.  

Skip the specialty passes to save money and instead, assume you’re going to be waiting in line at some point throughout your day.  

Bring small games or charging accessories to keep you entertained while you wait to enjoy your favorite attractions.  

Bring the Basics

A day at the theme parks can come with unexpected surprises.  

Maybe it’s rain, maybe it’s blisters, or maybe it’s a sunny, shade-less day.  

Anticipate the day’s needs by packing and bringing items like sunscreen, rain ponchos, band aids, and even a change of clothes.  

While all of these things will be available to purchase at the theme parks, they’ll be sold at high markups that you can easily avoid by bringing them yourself.  

Book Affordable Accommodations

One of the best ways to save money on a theme park trip is to find affordable accommodations that don’t sacrifice comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality.  

At Rosen Inns, we’re committed to providing the best quality service at prices you and your budget will love.  

Our budget-friendly amenities include free wi-fi, onsite buffets where kids eat free with a paying adult, and complimentary theme park shuttles that will save you pricey parking fees.  

We’ve been hosting vacationing and staycationing guests in Orlando for over 50 years. We’re happy to host you and your party on your next trip, no matter what your budget may be.  

Learn more about our Rosen Inns properties and find the one that is best for your vacation.